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A Bria Bartolucci Mystery #1
Murder in an Italian Village
On the surface, Bria's Mediterranean life radiates beauty—the kind her late husband, Carlo, dreamed about when he concocted the romantic idea to start a bed and breakfast on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. With the grand opening of Bella Bella approaching six months after Carlo's tragic death, Bria and her eight-year-old son Marco brace for a bittersweet new beginning by the sea . . .
Before celebratory vino flows on opening day, a stranger appears in an otherwise pristine guest room, lifeless and covered in blood. Bria can't understand why murder would check into Bella Bella. And police are just as puzzled. As suspicions fall on a B&B employee, what's certain is that saving her reputation—and surviving—depend on catching the real killer before it's too late.
Flanked by her feisty best friend, Rosalie, and well-traveled sister, Lorenza, Bria vows to prove to everyone in Positano that no one at Bella Bella was involved with the crime. But as the women expose a scandal that stretches across their dazzling tourist village, it will take everything they've got to name the murderer and avoid becoming the next target of someone's deadly vendetta . . .
Before celebratory vino flows on opening day, a stranger appears in an otherwise pristine guest room, lifeless and covered in blood. Bria can't understand why murder would check into Bella Bella. And police are just as puzzled. As suspicions fall on a B&B employee, what's certain is that saving her reputation—and surviving—depend on catching the real killer before it's too late.
Flanked by her feisty best friend, Rosalie, and well-traveled sister, Lorenza, Bria vows to prove to everyone in Positano that no one at Bella Bella was involved with the crime. But as the women expose a scandal that stretches across their dazzling tourist village, it will take everything they've got to name the murderer and avoid becoming the next target of someone's deadly vendetta . . .
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Published September 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Dazzled by the cover and happy to have an armchair travel back to Positano, I eagerly binged this cozy mystery!
The tagline is correct - you’ll be transported to Cinque Terre along the Italian coast. I absolutely loved the vivid descriptive setting and the Italian phrases added to the authenticity. It’s obvious the author spent time in this village rather than simply researching it.
The cozy mystery was well introduced and intriguing and benefited from the great rhythm/pacing. You’ll be curious to uncover the identity of this first ‘guest’ and why he ‘checked in’ before opening day. The scandal will keep you glued to the pages and the tension will increase, making it an addictive read.
Two things hampered my enjoyment: (1) I struggled with the chatty conversations between the two female main characters and (2) I struggled with the flow (choppy, repetitive, and over-explained prose). I’m confident that these will improve as the author establishes himself.
If you prefer slower-paced cozy mysteries with a focus on the setting, you’ll enjoy this one.
I was gifted this copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Dazzled by the cover and happy to have an armchair travel back to Positano, I eagerly binged this cozy mystery!
The tagline is correct - you’ll be transported to Cinque Terre along the Italian coast. I absolutely loved the vivid descriptive setting and the Italian phrases added to the authenticity. It’s obvious the author spent time in this village rather than simply researching it.
The cozy mystery was well introduced and intriguing and benefited from the great rhythm/pacing. You’ll be curious to uncover the identity of this first ‘guest’ and why he ‘checked in’ before opening day. The scandal will keep you glued to the pages and the tension will increase, making it an addictive read.
Two things hampered my enjoyment: (1) I struggled with the chatty conversations between the two female main characters and (2) I struggled with the flow (choppy, repetitive, and over-explained prose). I’m confident that these will improve as the author establishes himself.
If you prefer slower-paced cozy mysteries with a focus on the setting, you’ll enjoy this one.
I was gifted this copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 20, 2023
Bria and Carlo moved to Positano to open a B and B. When Carlo is killed in a plane crash, Bria is left alone with her young son, Marco and dog, Bravo, to realize the dream. Just before the grand opening, Bria discovers a dead body in one of the bedrooms. Although the local police, led by the handsome Luca are handling the case, Bria takes it upon herself to run her own investigation which puts her intimidating, wealthy mother-in-law under suspicion.
I love cozy mysteries set in Italy. Instead of the UK version where you have tea and biscuits, here you have really good coffee and treats like biscotti along with colorful, charming, and amusing characters. Falco captured well the beauty of the Amalfi coast as well as the local society and culture. I liked the use of Italian phrases. Some were translated within the story, as well as a dictionary provided at the end of the book. The writing a bit slow and wordy at times, yet it was a good beginning of what is to be a new series. I look forward to the next one.
Since I chose this book based on its setting, just a personal note…..Falco adds some after thoughts about the beauty of the Amalfi coast and what he says is true. Long after a visit there, it will remain with you. We spent two weeks in nearby Atrani once in an apartment with a balcony that jutted out over the sea. That trip and the allure of the area will be with me forever. I loved going back for a visit via this book.
Thanks to #netgalley and #KensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC.
Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shereadbook...
You can read my other reviews at http://vickieonmarco.blogspot.
I love cozy mysteries set in Italy. Instead of the UK version where you have tea and biscuits, here you have really good coffee and treats like biscotti along with colorful, charming, and amusing characters. Falco captured well the beauty of the Amalfi coast as well as the local society and culture. I liked the use of Italian phrases. Some were translated within the story, as well as a dictionary provided at the end of the book. The writing a bit slow and wordy at times, yet it was a good beginning of what is to be a new series. I look forward to the next one.
Since I chose this book based on its setting, just a personal note…..Falco adds some after thoughts about the beauty of the Amalfi coast and what he says is true. Long after a visit there, it will remain with you. We spent two weeks in nearby Atrani once in an apartment with a balcony that jutted out over the sea. That trip and the allure of the area will be with me forever. I loved going back for a visit via this book.
Thanks to #netgalley and #KensingtonBooks and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC.
Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shereadbook...
You can read my other reviews at http://vickieonmarco.blogspot.
October 1, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Positano, Italy right on the Amalfi Coast. Carlos Bartolucci’s dream was to open Bella Bella Bed & Breakfast with his wife Bria, their son Marco, along with their dog Bravo. But Carlos died a tragic death six months ago. Now Bria is ready to follow his dream without him. She has hired a handyman, Giovanni, to help with the jobs that would have been Carlos’s tasks.
Bria, Marco, and Bravo have been welcomed into the community and made many friends. After walking Marco to school just days before the B&B’s grand opening Bria returns home to find a stranger lying on a bed in one of the guest rooms dead and covered in blood. She has no idea who he is, how he got there, why he was killed, or who did it. Police are fixated on Giovanni but Bria can’t believe he committed the crime.
To save the reputation of her business and her handyman Bria teams up with her sister Lorenza and her friend Rosalie to prove to everyone that Giovanni is innocent by exposing the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
Bria is an interesting protagonist but I was a little concerned about her actions regarding the opening of the B&B. I would have expected her to be busy getting everything ready for the opening. It was stated several times that guests would be arriving soon but I don’t recall her taking one phone call or receiving an email or referring to an online booking site. She talked about trying out breakfast recipes but she doesn’t do much baking. Giovanni is fixing a few things but not urgently like the grand opening is happening soon. We read about her taking her son to school every day and the nun there playing with the dog. She is an attentive mother and that’s a good thing but I assume she is going to be busy with guests in the mornings once she is open and I didn’t see how she was going to address this. Maybe it is just the laid-back Italian way of doing things but it felt strange to me. The character needs more definition and development. I know it is hard to introduce all the core characters and develop them in a worthwhile way when a series is just starting out. I hope we get to know them all better as the series continues.
The mystery was intriguing. Who was this man? Why was killed? Why at Bella Bella? The author served up some red herrings but in places the story really dragged. It felt like clues were dropped almost as an afterthought. Bria did have some good sleuthing skills and was able to ferret out some great secrets, which moved the story along and at times made her mother-in-law livid. The reveal was surprising and entertaining. I did enjoy the way everything was explained at the end but something about it just felt off.
I loved the beautiful setting of this book. The author helped me escape to the Amalfi Coast with his words. I am on the fence about the snippets of Italian throughout the book because I do not speak the language. I was able to understand the meanings and many times the phrase was followed by the English words but it really messed up the flow of the story. The author does provide a glossary at the end of the book but referring to it constantly would have been even worse. Italian is a beautiful language and I know the author was using it to bring the location to life, but he had done that already with English words.
Murder in an Italian Village has some good bones. The setting is idyllic and I enjoyed my virtual visit. But I want to get to know the characters better and feel more engaged by them. The story could use some editing in places to tighten things up and make it flow better. I am curious to see how Bria’s life changes when the B & B is open and filled with a variety of guests. It is a familiar theme for a cozy mystery series but the location sets this series apart.
Welcome to Positano, Italy right on the Amalfi Coast. Carlos Bartolucci’s dream was to open Bella Bella Bed & Breakfast with his wife Bria, their son Marco, along with their dog Bravo. But Carlos died a tragic death six months ago. Now Bria is ready to follow his dream without him. She has hired a handyman, Giovanni, to help with the jobs that would have been Carlos’s tasks.
Bria, Marco, and Bravo have been welcomed into the community and made many friends. After walking Marco to school just days before the B&B’s grand opening Bria returns home to find a stranger lying on a bed in one of the guest rooms dead and covered in blood. She has no idea who he is, how he got there, why he was killed, or who did it. Police are fixated on Giovanni but Bria can’t believe he committed the crime.
To save the reputation of her business and her handyman Bria teams up with her sister Lorenza and her friend Rosalie to prove to everyone that Giovanni is innocent by exposing the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
Bria is an interesting protagonist but I was a little concerned about her actions regarding the opening of the B&B. I would have expected her to be busy getting everything ready for the opening. It was stated several times that guests would be arriving soon but I don’t recall her taking one phone call or receiving an email or referring to an online booking site. She talked about trying out breakfast recipes but she doesn’t do much baking. Giovanni is fixing a few things but not urgently like the grand opening is happening soon. We read about her taking her son to school every day and the nun there playing with the dog. She is an attentive mother and that’s a good thing but I assume she is going to be busy with guests in the mornings once she is open and I didn’t see how she was going to address this. Maybe it is just the laid-back Italian way of doing things but it felt strange to me. The character needs more definition and development. I know it is hard to introduce all the core characters and develop them in a worthwhile way when a series is just starting out. I hope we get to know them all better as the series continues.
The mystery was intriguing. Who was this man? Why was killed? Why at Bella Bella? The author served up some red herrings but in places the story really dragged. It felt like clues were dropped almost as an afterthought. Bria did have some good sleuthing skills and was able to ferret out some great secrets, which moved the story along and at times made her mother-in-law livid. The reveal was surprising and entertaining. I did enjoy the way everything was explained at the end but something about it just felt off.
I loved the beautiful setting of this book. The author helped me escape to the Amalfi Coast with his words. I am on the fence about the snippets of Italian throughout the book because I do not speak the language. I was able to understand the meanings and many times the phrase was followed by the English words but it really messed up the flow of the story. The author does provide a glossary at the end of the book but referring to it constantly would have been even worse. Italian is a beautiful language and I know the author was using it to bring the location to life, but he had done that already with English words.
Murder in an Italian Village has some good bones. The setting is idyllic and I enjoyed my virtual visit. But I want to get to know the characters better and feel more engaged by them. The story could use some editing in places to tighten things up and make it flow better. I am curious to see how Bria’s life changes when the B & B is open and filled with a variety of guests. It is a familiar theme for a cozy mystery series but the location sets this series apart.
August 25, 2023
The idea was good, but badly executed in my opinion. Even though the story is a murder mystery, the tone was somehow childish, with jokes thrown in at inappropriate times by underdeveloped characters. I couldn’t connect or really care about the characters, actually. Also, I felt that the book was patronizing regarding Italy and the Italian language. It took me a couple months to finish the book and I honestly considered not finishing it many times.
To top it off, the murderer resolution felt rushed and out of the blue.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC. Opinions are my own.
To top it off, the murderer resolution felt rushed and out of the blue.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC. Opinions are my own.
May 14, 2023
What a slow book. I slogged through, not sure why. Italian phrases thrown in here & there (which my mind did translate thanks to high school Italian). I can't pinpoint why I felt the book was disjointed. I'm sure others will have enjoyed it (have not read any other reviews), so read for yourself & see how you feel! Who "did it" was revealed towards the very end. Thanks to Kensington Books & NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review
July 29, 2025
Don’t judge a book by its cover bc I did and it was terrible
Cute cover tho
Cute cover tho
October 30, 2023
It's painfully apparent that this is a female MC written by a man because she's overly chatty, ditzy, self-righteous, and vain. The author thinks it takes women significant time just to throw their hair up in ponytails. Her insertion of Italian phrases also didn't flow naturally into the prose. Other readers are calling this a "cozy" mystery and you know what another word for cozy is? Boring. Your grandmother will probably think it's cute.
May 8, 2024
2.8. I really wanted to like this book but I found it incredibly boring. I basically had to force myself to finish it.
July 25, 2025
I loved this cozy mystery! There was so much to enjoy with this first installment in this new series - the description of Positano, Italy made me long to go there myself. It sounded absolutely captivating. The characters were immediately likable and engaging. The plot had enough red herrings to keep me guessing and the ending was plausible and satisfying. I found this book to be well written and I was charmed by the Italian phrases and culture sprinkled throughout. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
November 2, 2023
Delightful! A fantastic setting filled with fun characters makes this a strong series launch.
September 22, 2024
Not to be dramatic, but I wouldn’t read this book again even if it was the only thing to do on a deserted island.
Written so poorly, so predictable, and insufferable
Written so poorly, so predictable, and insufferable
April 9, 2023
Fantastic start to a new series!
Bria is a recent widow with an eight-year-old son, a dog, lots of family and friends, an about to open the Bed and Breakfast that she and her husband had planned and bought in a village along the Amalfi coast. Before the official opening, she finds a dead man on the bed in one of the rooms. It turns out that the police chief is the older brother of her bestest friend, and everyone sticks their toe into the investigation. Including her barracuda of a mother-in-law! Lots of fun, mistakes, red herrings, and plot twists. The characters are all great and so is the scenery. Loved it and plan to get more as they are published.
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
Bria is a recent widow with an eight-year-old son, a dog, lots of family and friends, an about to open the Bed and Breakfast that she and her husband had planned and bought in a village along the Amalfi coast. Before the official opening, she finds a dead man on the bed in one of the rooms. It turns out that the police chief is the older brother of her bestest friend, and everyone sticks their toe into the investigation. Including her barracuda of a mother-in-law! Lots of fun, mistakes, red herrings, and plot twists. The characters are all great and so is the scenery. Loved it and plan to get more as they are published.
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 3, 2023
Solid three stars. I enjoyed the back 20% of this but the first 20% was a bit slow for me. I understand the author has to introduce everyone (including all the potential suspects) but I have to admit I kept confusing some of the characters. Why were so many D-names in this book?? Delfina, Dante, Daniela... I enjoyed the setting but I didn't love Bria. I enjoyed the family dynamics (how Bria is her mom's treasure but her sister is a "meatball") but the author might want to pull back on the use of the word "literally" - it's a personal annoyance of mine when it's overused and/or used incorrectly.
This sets up an interesting idea for a series though, and it reminded me of Kate Kingsbury's short series about a granddaughter and her grandma who open up a B&B in the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide a fair review!
This sets up an interesting idea for a series though, and it reminded me of Kate Kingsbury's short series about a granddaughter and her grandma who open up a B&B in the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide a fair review!
August 17, 2025
This was a nice change of pace after reading about a dark magical school and depressing environmental news.
It's a cozy, so the focus is on the characters in the city of Positano rather than the mystery (although the mystery was better than many I've seen in cozy mysteries). It's well written and plotted, and I was able to set aside disbelief at correct conclusions jumped to with little evidence and stupid behavior (e.g., main character Bria breaking into the mayor's office without realizing there would be cameras and tailing her mother-in-law in her very unique car that used to belong to her father-in-law and not being caught out).
The characters were interesting without being perfect, and they were all Italian. (Often there is an American at the center of books set in Italy.) I loved the details about Italy and Positano. There's a dog. This series has a lot of room to grow and I look forward to the next book in the series.
It's a cozy, so the focus is on the characters in the city of Positano rather than the mystery (although the mystery was better than many I've seen in cozy mysteries). It's well written and plotted, and I was able to set aside disbelief at correct conclusions jumped to with little evidence and stupid behavior (e.g., main character Bria breaking into the mayor's office without realizing there would be cameras and tailing her mother-in-law in her very unique car that used to belong to her father-in-law and not being caught out).
The characters were interesting without being perfect, and they were all Italian. (Often there is an American at the center of books set in Italy.) I loved the details about Italy and Positano. There's a dog. This series has a lot of room to grow and I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 29, 2023
3.5 stars
I love the premise of this new series. A widow with a young son plans to open a bed and breakfast in Positano, Italy. Then Bria discovers a dead body in one of the rooms before her grand opening, which has the potential to close her business before it ever has a chance to get off the ground. She is determined to find the killer to get justice for the victim and protect the reputation of her new inn, Bella Bella.
I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the area and the Italian phrases included throughout the story. (There is a glossary at the back of the book as well as real life information about the area.) Bria is a likable main character and an intelligent amateur sleuth. Something about the dialogue and the story didn't flow for me, so sometimes the pacing was off. However, I think the series has a lot of potential for future books with guests visiting the B&B, as well as Bria's friends, family, and potential love interests.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I love the premise of this new series. A widow with a young son plans to open a bed and breakfast in Positano, Italy. Then Bria discovers a dead body in one of the rooms before her grand opening, which has the potential to close her business before it ever has a chance to get off the ground. She is determined to find the killer to get justice for the victim and protect the reputation of her new inn, Bella Bella.
I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the area and the Italian phrases included throughout the story. (There is a glossary at the back of the book as well as real life information about the area.) Bria is a likable main character and an intelligent amateur sleuth. Something about the dialogue and the story didn't flow for me, so sometimes the pacing was off. However, I think the series has a lot of potential for future books with guests visiting the B&B, as well as Bria's friends, family, and potential love interests.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
November 9, 2023
This is an excellent mystery that takes place in a small Italian village. The main character is planning to open a bed-and-breakfast, and right before the opening, she discovers a dead body in one of her upstairs rooms. She has no idea who he is, how he got there, or what she should do about it. Of course she has become a suspect, although she is totally innocent. Now she has to protect her son, get ready for her opening, and at the same time, try to solve the murder and save her business. The setting is wonderful, the characters are very well-drawn, and the plot is excellent.
November 16, 2023
Surprise shocker of both the reveal of murder, plus the Italian words and phrases in copious amounts throghout the story.
March 28, 2024
A very enjoyable book. I felt transported back to Positano, a place I have visited.
June 26, 2024
A fun read! I’ve always wanted to go to Positano so I enjoyed the local references, the food, the language and the culture. Also I enjoyed the complications of family relationships and the love between family members- no matter how it was expressed. Great vacation read!!
March 6, 2024
Good mystery but alot of characters to keep track of. I really liked the main character.
Nice description of area in Italy and the author is writing a sequel to look forward to reading.
Nice description of area in Italy and the author is writing a sequel to look forward to reading.
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars- truly a diamond in the rough of cozy mysteries! I loved the setting and the characters. There’s definitely some potential for this series. The awkward dialogue at the beginning and the overexplaining at the end lead me to conclude some editing would be beneficial. I will try out the next one.
April 8, 2023
Bria is opening her B&B and before she can even welcome her first guests, a body is found in one of her guest rooms. The police believe one of the B&B staff is responsible for the murder, but Bria is NOT going to let her grand opening also be her closing day.
As she sets out to prove the innocence of all those connected to the B&B, Bria opts it all on the line. Will she be able to prove the innocence of her team, or will the killer check Bria out once and for all?
This is a great start to a new cozy series. You can’t get a better location for this one that beautiful Positano. Add in Rosalie and Lorenza and you’ve got a great trio of characters to make for a great and fun series. Sneak away for awhile to Positano, you won’t want to return back to reality.
As she sets out to prove the innocence of all those connected to the B&B, Bria opts it all on the line. Will she be able to prove the innocence of her team, or will the killer check Bria out once and for all?
This is a great start to a new cozy series. You can’t get a better location for this one that beautiful Positano. Add in Rosalie and Lorenza and you’ve got a great trio of characters to make for a great and fun series. Sneak away for awhile to Positano, you won’t want to return back to reality.
November 2, 2023
An interesting mystery.
Makes me want to visit Italy!
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the copy.
Makes me want to visit Italy!
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the copy.
September 21, 2024
Bria has the common sense and logic of a 10 year old child. She jumps to wild conclusions and misdirects everything. The chief of police should be fired for listening to her and his own wild conclusions. Most of the book is describing the location, people’s clothing or makeup.
September 24, 2024
Rich with descriptions, characters, and mystery.
Excellent character development. Every character contributed in some way to the mystery and the solution in a very subtle manner. Bria, the protagonist, is a strong, loving woman who I liked instantly. You can tell the author really loved his characters and wanted them to shine. He succeeded.
A smart plot, with crafty clues spread throughout the story. I loved how the author did a homage to the queen of crafty mysteries, Agatha Christie, by having all the players come together for Bria to shrewdly finger the murderer. The descriptions of Positano were beautifully described. I enjoyed the spattering of Italian throughout the story (Side Note: the author included a list of meanings to those words in the back of the book).
With great writing and style, the author pulls the reader into the story and keeps your attention throughout the entire book. A great addition into the world of cozy mysteries. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us with the next book in the series.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
Excellent character development. Every character contributed in some way to the mystery and the solution in a very subtle manner. Bria, the protagonist, is a strong, loving woman who I liked instantly. You can tell the author really loved his characters and wanted them to shine. He succeeded.
A smart plot, with crafty clues spread throughout the story. I loved how the author did a homage to the queen of crafty mysteries, Agatha Christie, by having all the players come together for Bria to shrewdly finger the murderer. The descriptions of Positano were beautifully described. I enjoyed the spattering of Italian throughout the story (Side Note: the author included a list of meanings to those words in the back of the book).
With great writing and style, the author pulls the reader into the story and keeps your attention throughout the entire book. A great addition into the world of cozy mysteries. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us with the next book in the series.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2023
So much potential and fell very short. There was no suspense. Zero whit or humor. Only part I liked was that it championed females. Do not pick this book up.
September 27, 2023
The last Wednesday of the month means it’s book review time! I decided to try something set abroad, but still well within my comfort zone (a cozy mystery). Murder in an Italian Village by Michael Falco was released on the 26th from Kensington Books. As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s do the thing.
Murder in an Italian Village follows Bria Bartolucci as she struggles to fulfill her late husband’s dream, be a good mother, acclimate to a new home, and find herself in the process. Her new B&B is set to open in a couple of weeks when someone shows up dead in one of her guest rooms. She can’t let that ruin her opening, so of course she has to solve the murder! Throw in a couple of love interests, a family and bestie who encourage all of her antics, and police officers who actively seek her help and you’ve got yourself a typical cozy mystery.
The plot is pretty typical, but the way it unfolds is disappointing. Every time something happens or they make a big discovery, there’s a conversation about how it all makes sense, but it never makes sense. Bria or Luca make some wild guess that isn’t led up to in the story at all and it’s like the reader is supposed to go aha! but it’s just something that was pulled out of thin air. Like, why? Put it in the plot. Don’t just make it a random declaration. It’s not bad per se, but it’s definitely not a satisfying way for the story to move forward.
The writing. This is something I usually just mention in passing, but I was so distracted by the writing that I have to talk about it. The detail in this book is absolutely ridiculous. I get that authors do a lot of research and we want to include it all, but don’t. It’s not necessary and it makes for a slog of a read. I know nothing about the road system in Italy, so telling me stuff like “Bria took Viale Pasitea to Via G. Marconi and then hopped onto Strada Statale 163 toward Spiaggia di Tordigliano” etc. doesn’t help me at all. And anyone who lives in that area would know how to get from point A to point B, so you’re not really helping them either. It’s just padding and not very interesting padding at that. There’s a lot of that in this book. Also, there’s an entire chapter devoted to describing outfits. I’m all for clothing descriptions, but not an entire chapter’s worth. And only one thing relevant to the plot is mentioned in that chapter, so if you haven’t figured out who the killer is by that point, it becomes blatantly obvious who it is.
I liked the characters for the most part. Everyone is constantly screaming or shrieking, which I think is just poorly chosen wording, but other than that they seem cool. I wanted more from Giovanni. Marco was far too angelic (no kid is that good). Loved Bravo (the dog). Bria, Luca, Rosalie, and Nunzi were all pretty interesting. I thought some of Bria’s outbursts were out of character, like when she flat out accuses Daniela of murder and keeps repeating it. Nothing about that scene felt natural. Otherwise, the characters were the best part of this book.
Ultimately, I found Murder in an Italian Village a little too dense with useless trivia and a bit too thin when it came to actual plot. It was okay and if another one comes out, I’ll grab it if I see it. I won’t go looking for it, though.
Overall, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. It was fine. If you want to learn a crap ton about Positano, Italy thinly disguised as a cozy mystery, try it.
Murder in an Italian Village follows Bria Bartolucci as she struggles to fulfill her late husband’s dream, be a good mother, acclimate to a new home, and find herself in the process. Her new B&B is set to open in a couple of weeks when someone shows up dead in one of her guest rooms. She can’t let that ruin her opening, so of course she has to solve the murder! Throw in a couple of love interests, a family and bestie who encourage all of her antics, and police officers who actively seek her help and you’ve got yourself a typical cozy mystery.
The plot is pretty typical, but the way it unfolds is disappointing. Every time something happens or they make a big discovery, there’s a conversation about how it all makes sense, but it never makes sense. Bria or Luca make some wild guess that isn’t led up to in the story at all and it’s like the reader is supposed to go aha! but it’s just something that was pulled out of thin air. Like, why? Put it in the plot. Don’t just make it a random declaration. It’s not bad per se, but it’s definitely not a satisfying way for the story to move forward.
The writing. This is something I usually just mention in passing, but I was so distracted by the writing that I have to talk about it. The detail in this book is absolutely ridiculous. I get that authors do a lot of research and we want to include it all, but don’t. It’s not necessary and it makes for a slog of a read. I know nothing about the road system in Italy, so telling me stuff like “Bria took Viale Pasitea to Via G. Marconi and then hopped onto Strada Statale 163 toward Spiaggia di Tordigliano” etc. doesn’t help me at all. And anyone who lives in that area would know how to get from point A to point B, so you’re not really helping them either. It’s just padding and not very interesting padding at that. There’s a lot of that in this book. Also, there’s an entire chapter devoted to describing outfits. I’m all for clothing descriptions, but not an entire chapter’s worth. And only one thing relevant to the plot is mentioned in that chapter, so if you haven’t figured out who the killer is by that point, it becomes blatantly obvious who it is.
I liked the characters for the most part. Everyone is constantly screaming or shrieking, which I think is just poorly chosen wording, but other than that they seem cool. I wanted more from Giovanni. Marco was far too angelic (no kid is that good). Loved Bravo (the dog). Bria, Luca, Rosalie, and Nunzi were all pretty interesting. I thought some of Bria’s outbursts were out of character, like when she flat out accuses Daniela of murder and keeps repeating it. Nothing about that scene felt natural. Otherwise, the characters were the best part of this book.
Ultimately, I found Murder in an Italian Village a little too dense with useless trivia and a bit too thin when it came to actual plot. It was okay and if another one comes out, I’ll grab it if I see it. I won’t go looking for it, though.
Overall, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. It was fine. If you want to learn a crap ton about Positano, Italy thinly disguised as a cozy mystery, try it.
September 9, 2023
This charming debut from Michael Falco is set in the tiny village of Positano on Italy’s Amalfi coast. Our heroine, Bria, is a recent widow, mother of 8 year old, Marco, and getting ready to open a B & B called the “Bella Bella” (her late husband’s nickname for her). She has grown up nearby and loves the picturesque village, where she’s getting to know her business neighbors and learning to live on her own. Unfortunately her joyful restart is hampered when she discovers a dead body in one of the B & B’s bedrooms after she returns from dropping Marco at school.
She’s understandably shaken and calls her best buddy first, before she calls the police (the chief happens to be her best friend’s sister). While Bria is fond of Luca, the chief, she finds his assistant Nunzia off-putting and is even less enamored with the two when they take her handyman, Giovanni, in for questioning. Bria is sure Giovanni, despite a somewhat sketchy past, is innocent, and she and her buddy set off to find the clues to prove it.
This is a languid, sun drenched read, making the reader feel as though she (or he) might really be in Bria’s fashionable espadrilles as she makes her sleuthing way around the Amalfi coast. Major characters include Bria’s parents and her fabulously wealthy mother in law, Imperia, who only unbends around Marco. All the grandparents cherish him, and the book is filled with the importance and meaning of family connections. The clues are unearthed in an almost equally languid way, and this is a book to read for charm and atmosphere, not for a rocket powered plot.
Despite that caveat, there are several deaths and some other skullduggery unearthed by Bria as she noses around in everyone’s business. Cozies always have a bit of a fantasy element. Here, it’s the location, the food, and simply the glamor of the women in the book, all of whom (as discovered on a party on a yacht later in the book), clean up incredibly well. Bria even finds her Louboutins comfortable (something I found hard to believe).
I enjoyed the traditional elements here which include a summing up by detective Bria at the end of the novel. The reveal of the culprit was well done, especially as Falco has scattered the whole story with multiple red herrings. I felt this book could have been tightened up a bit but I very much enjoyed my armchair visit to Italy, and I appreciated the notes about Positano at the end of the book, at well as the glossary of Italian terms. Bria is a good central character and a B & B is a great place to set a mystery – I look forward to more of her adventures.
She’s understandably shaken and calls her best buddy first, before she calls the police (the chief happens to be her best friend’s sister). While Bria is fond of Luca, the chief, she finds his assistant Nunzia off-putting and is even less enamored with the two when they take her handyman, Giovanni, in for questioning. Bria is sure Giovanni, despite a somewhat sketchy past, is innocent, and she and her buddy set off to find the clues to prove it.
This is a languid, sun drenched read, making the reader feel as though she (or he) might really be in Bria’s fashionable espadrilles as she makes her sleuthing way around the Amalfi coast. Major characters include Bria’s parents and her fabulously wealthy mother in law, Imperia, who only unbends around Marco. All the grandparents cherish him, and the book is filled with the importance and meaning of family connections. The clues are unearthed in an almost equally languid way, and this is a book to read for charm and atmosphere, not for a rocket powered plot.
Despite that caveat, there are several deaths and some other skullduggery unearthed by Bria as she noses around in everyone’s business. Cozies always have a bit of a fantasy element. Here, it’s the location, the food, and simply the glamor of the women in the book, all of whom (as discovered on a party on a yacht later in the book), clean up incredibly well. Bria even finds her Louboutins comfortable (something I found hard to believe).
I enjoyed the traditional elements here which include a summing up by detective Bria at the end of the novel. The reveal of the culprit was well done, especially as Falco has scattered the whole story with multiple red herrings. I felt this book could have been tightened up a bit but I very much enjoyed my armchair visit to Italy, and I appreciated the notes about Positano at the end of the book, at well as the glossary of Italian terms. Bria is a good central character and a B & B is a great place to set a mystery – I look forward to more of her adventures.
May 30, 2023
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
"Murder In An Italian Village" by Michael Falco offers readers a cozy mystery set in the enchanting Positano, Italy. The story revolves around Bria, a widowed B&B owner who stumbles upon a body in one of her bedrooms just before the grand opening of her establishment. With the support of her best friend Rosalie and sister Lorenza, Bria embarks on a mission to clear her B&B's reputation and unveil the truth behind the murder.
The book's setting in Positano is undoubtedly its strongest aspect. Falco beautifully captures the charm and allure of this picturesque Italian village, immersing readers in its atmosphere and making them yearn to explore its winding streets and breathtaking views. The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast evoke a sense of wanderlust and provide a delightful backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
The dynamic between Bria, Rosalie, and Lorenza adds depth and humor to the story. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for one another create an enjoyable dynamic that keeps readers engaged. The characters are relatable and their interactions bring warmth to the narrative.
The plot is intriguing, with the murder at Bella Bella B&B serving as the central mystery. The initial discovery of the body generates immediate intrigue, and the subsequent investigation unveils a scandal that permeates the village. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing.
However, the book falls short in a few areas. The character development, particularly for the protagonist, Bria, feels somewhat lacking. While her grief and determination are evident, there is room for more exploration of her emotions and growth throughout the story. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been better fleshed out to enhance the overall depth of the narrative.
The resolution of the mystery, though satisfying, feels slightly rushed. The climax is exciting and provides closure, but a more gradual and detailed unraveling of the clues would have added to the suspense and engagement of the readers.
"Murder In An Italian Village" offers a promising start to a cozy mystery series set in a captivating location. The vivid portrayal of Positano, the engaging relationships between the characters, and the intriguing plot make for an enjoyable read. While the book could benefit from further character development and a more nuanced resolution, it lays a solid foundation for future installments in the series.
"Murder In An Italian Village" by Michael Falco offers readers a cozy mystery set in the enchanting Positano, Italy. The story revolves around Bria, a widowed B&B owner who stumbles upon a body in one of her bedrooms just before the grand opening of her establishment. With the support of her best friend Rosalie and sister Lorenza, Bria embarks on a mission to clear her B&B's reputation and unveil the truth behind the murder.
The book's setting in Positano is undoubtedly its strongest aspect. Falco beautifully captures the charm and allure of this picturesque Italian village, immersing readers in its atmosphere and making them yearn to explore its winding streets and breathtaking views. The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast evoke a sense of wanderlust and provide a delightful backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
The dynamic between Bria, Rosalie, and Lorenza adds depth and humor to the story. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for one another create an enjoyable dynamic that keeps readers engaged. The characters are relatable and their interactions bring warmth to the narrative.
The plot is intriguing, with the murder at Bella Bella B&B serving as the central mystery. The initial discovery of the body generates immediate intrigue, and the subsequent investigation unveils a scandal that permeates the village. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing.
However, the book falls short in a few areas. The character development, particularly for the protagonist, Bria, feels somewhat lacking. While her grief and determination are evident, there is room for more exploration of her emotions and growth throughout the story. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been better fleshed out to enhance the overall depth of the narrative.
The resolution of the mystery, though satisfying, feels slightly rushed. The climax is exciting and provides closure, but a more gradual and detailed unraveling of the clues would have added to the suspense and engagement of the readers.
"Murder In An Italian Village" offers a promising start to a cozy mystery series set in a captivating location. The vivid portrayal of Positano, the engaging relationships between the characters, and the intriguing plot make for an enjoyable read. While the book could benefit from further character development and a more nuanced resolution, it lays a solid foundation for future installments in the series.
October 20, 2023
Having spent time in Positano and the beautiful Amalfi Coast, I was excited to read this debut cozy mystery set there. The author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the location and the Italian lifestyle, focusing on food and family. There are quite a few Italian words sprinkled into the dialogue and narrative, which might annoy some readers. But I’ve studied Italian, and my husband is fluent, so I enjoyed the challenge. Most of the words and phrases are explained well enough in the context, and there’s a glossary in the back of the book (which I didn’t find until I’d finished).
The protagonist, Bria Bartolucci, is a young widow with a precocious eight-year-old son, Marco, and a very smart dog, Bravo. Before her husband died, he and Bria had purchased a Bed and Breakfast in Positano, which they named Bella Bella, and their dream was to run it together. Bria is determined to continue those plans. Everything is on track to open in time for the height of tourist season, when she finds a dead body in one of the bedrooms. She’s never seen the dead man before, and she has no idea how he got there.
Bria’s first instinct is to call her best friend, Rosalie, who comes right over and agrees that, yes, the man is deceased, apparently murdered. They then call Rosalie’s brother, Luca, who is the Positano chief of police, and the proper investigation begins. When the police arrest Giovanni, an employee of Bella Bella, Bria decides she must prove Giovanni’s innocence and salvage the reputation of her business.
Through her amateur sleuthing, Bria discovers the name of the victim, his relationships, and some illegal business dealings. As Bria and Rosalie uncover clues, some of which they share with Luca, and some they conceal, their suspicions shift widely among various subjects.
The story is told in a light, somewhat humorous tone, and the well-drawn characters are likable. Bria’s family weighs in on everything: her parents; younger sister, Lorenza; almost brother-in-law, Fabricio; and her wealthy, domineering mother-in-law, Imperia. There’s a hint of romance brewing between Bria and Luca, which I suspect may develop in subsequent books in the series. Luca also has an interesting sidekick, female police officer Nunzi, who adds to the drama.
The plot twists and turns as new evidence and motives come to light, and I didn’t figure out whodunnit until Bria gathers everyone together and points the finger in a Perry Mason moment. If you enjoy arm-chair travel, family drama, and solving puzzles, I recommend this book. Great start to a new series!
The protagonist, Bria Bartolucci, is a young widow with a precocious eight-year-old son, Marco, and a very smart dog, Bravo. Before her husband died, he and Bria had purchased a Bed and Breakfast in Positano, which they named Bella Bella, and their dream was to run it together. Bria is determined to continue those plans. Everything is on track to open in time for the height of tourist season, when she finds a dead body in one of the bedrooms. She’s never seen the dead man before, and she has no idea how he got there.
Bria’s first instinct is to call her best friend, Rosalie, who comes right over and agrees that, yes, the man is deceased, apparently murdered. They then call Rosalie’s brother, Luca, who is the Positano chief of police, and the proper investigation begins. When the police arrest Giovanni, an employee of Bella Bella, Bria decides she must prove Giovanni’s innocence and salvage the reputation of her business.
Through her amateur sleuthing, Bria discovers the name of the victim, his relationships, and some illegal business dealings. As Bria and Rosalie uncover clues, some of which they share with Luca, and some they conceal, their suspicions shift widely among various subjects.
The story is told in a light, somewhat humorous tone, and the well-drawn characters are likable. Bria’s family weighs in on everything: her parents; younger sister, Lorenza; almost brother-in-law, Fabricio; and her wealthy, domineering mother-in-law, Imperia. There’s a hint of romance brewing between Bria and Luca, which I suspect may develop in subsequent books in the series. Luca also has an interesting sidekick, female police officer Nunzi, who adds to the drama.
The plot twists and turns as new evidence and motives come to light, and I didn’t figure out whodunnit until Bria gathers everyone together and points the finger in a Perry Mason moment. If you enjoy arm-chair travel, family drama, and solving puzzles, I recommend this book. Great start to a new series!
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